Jan 25, 2012, post by Artur Nowak
AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and ViaSat Inc. (Nasdaq:VSAT) announced that the organizations have entered into a strategic alliance to align AAI’s advanced unmanned aircraft and command and control technologies with ViaSat integrated airborne and terrestrial satellite communications, as well as its Internet Protocol-based networking and security technology. Under the agreement, the organizations intend to develop and mature beyond-line-of-sight satellite communications capabilities for current and next-generation AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems aircraft.
Along with fellow Textron Systems business Overwatch, AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems and ViaSat collaborate on the Forward Airborne Secure Transmission and Communication, or FASTCOM™, system. FASTCOM is an end-to-end, mobile cellular network that accommodates Top Secret smartphone communications. Through this strategic alliance, the two companies can build on the FASTCOM system’s maturity with additional third- and fourth-generation, or 3G and 4G, capability to further enhance battlefield communications.
“The performance and affordability of tactical UAS like our Shadow® system make them an invaluable battlefield asset with a growing mission spectrum,” says Senior Vice President and General Manager Steven Reid of AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems. “Our customers’ unmanned assets need to be as flexible and capable as the troops who utilize them, and this new strategic alliance with ViaSat is one way that we’re staying on the leading edge of system development and integration.”
“This new phase of the AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems relationship is completely in-sync with our intent to continue delivering industry-leading broadband performance over ultra-small-aperture airborne satellite communication systems,” said Vice President and General Manager for ViaSat Global Mobile Broadband Paul Baca. “And our private satellite network services can deliver the dedicated bandwidth needed to distribute tactical UAS video throughout the battlespace.”
About AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems
AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems has designed, manufactured and fielded combat-proven unmanned aircraft systems for more than 25 years. AAI’s multi-mission capable unmanned aircraft and interoperable command and control technologies provide critical situational awareness and actionable intelligence for users worldwide. Its Australia-based strategic business, Aerosonde Pty Ltd, is a manufacturer of small unmanned aircraft systems. AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems is an operating unit of Textron Systems. More information is available at www.aaicorp.com.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., the company is known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment and operational services. Textron Systems includes AAI Logistics & Technical Services, AAI Test & Training, AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Advanced Systems, Aerosonde, ESL Defence, Lycoming Engines, Medical Numerics, MillenWorks, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
About ViaSat
ViaSat delivers fast, secure communications, Internet, and remote network access to fixed sites or on-the-move. The company provides networking products and managed network services for enterprise IP applications; is a key supplier of network-centric military communications and encryption technologies and products to the U.S. and allied governments; is the primary technology partner for gateway and customer-premises equipment for consumer and mobile satellite broadband services; and offers high-speed Ka-band satellite broadband services. Based in Carlsbad, Calif., ViaSat has established a number of worldwide locations for customer service, network operations, and technology development. More information is available at www.viasat.com
Jun 22, 2011, post by Artur Nowak
Asco Industries and Alenia Aeronautica have signed a life of program contract at the Paris Airshow for the supply of large titanium machined parts for the Boeing 787 Program. First deliveries are planned end 2011.
With this contract Asco further expands its customer base and consolidates as a confident partner in the supply of complex components. The award is in line with Asco’s strategy to continuously and globally expand its capabilities and grow its business through innovative and competitive products.
According to Asco’s mid-term goal horizon program (2012-2018), objective is stated to achieve a company that keeps adding value and technology to the aerospace industry.
Major recent successes in 2011 articulate into the program. These include a.o. prolongation contracts with Goodrich Corporation, Goodrich Landing Gear Division, and Triumph Aerostructures, Vought Aircraft Division.
Further, Asco’s continuous benchmark supply performance of large, complex titanium components for the Airbus A380 to Goodrich Landing Gear resulted in a follow-on commitment till end 2017. Asco is responsible for the manufacture of most titanium & aluminium components for the A380 Body Landing Gear. The statement of work includes the largest titanium component on the A380.
In the business jet sector, Asco was awarded a contract extension for the supply of more than 75 hard metal components for the Gulfstream G550 wing, assembled by Triumph’s subsidiary Vought.
Another success that further consolidates the presence of the company in the business aviation is the award of 2 new contracts on Bombardier’s Learjet 85. Asco will manufacture spoilers and trunnions in its subsidiaries in Germany and Canada, respectively.
Fastly growing into military applications, Asco has started delivery of key titanium bulkheads for the Joint Strike Fighter / F-35 to Lockheed Martin. Furthermore, Asco was granted contract to supply F-35 titanium hinges for the folded wings of the Carrier version.
Other reported successes by Asco in 2011 are the prolongation contracts with Goodrich Corporation, Goodrich Landing Gear Division, and Triumph Aerostructures, Vought Aircraft Division.
The continued support of large titanium components for the Airbus A380 to Goodrich Landing Gear has resulted in a prolongation of the current contract. Asco is responsible for the supply of titanium and aluminium components for the A380 body landing gear. The statement of work includes the largest ti-component of the A380, and covers deliveries until the end of 2017.
In the business jet sector, Asco was awarded a contract extension for the supply of more than 75 metal components for the Gulfstream G550 wing, assembled by Triumph Aerostructures, Vought Aircraft Division.
Another success story in the regional jet business was the award of Bombardier’s Learjet 85. Asco has signed two contracts, one for the spoilers and one for the trunions. These parts will be manufactured in Asco’s subsidiaries in Germany and Canada, respectively.
Asco received two JSF Lockheed Martin contracts, the first one for aluminium parts related to the forward fuselage structure, and the other one for titanium bulkheads and longerons. Asco manufactures these parts in its Canadian facility just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia. Asco will also deliver key titanium bulkheads. It has made its first delivery in June 2011.
About Asco
Asco is a privately owned Belgian company incorporated in 1954.
The aerospace business started in 1979 and is currently the sole activity of the Group.
Asco is a proven technology specialist and supply chain integrator in design, development, precision machining, processing and certified assembly of complex, high strength, metallic aircraft components (high-lift devices, landing gear components, and engine attachments). Material used is mainly titanium, high strength steels and various aluminium alloys.
The Asco Group is headquartered in Zaventem, Belgium; operating from three sites including subsidiaries in Gedern Oberhessen, Germany and in Delta, British Columbia, Canada; combined with an office in São José dos Campos, Brasil.
Today, the Asco Group employs just over 1,100 people; its worldwide, 100% Aerospace customer base includes most aircraft manufacturers as well as many related Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers.
May 25, 2011, post by Artur Nowak
Aerojet General Corporation of Rancho Cordova, Calif. is being awarded a not to exceed $31,778,418 firm fixed price contract modification for the procurement of warhead cases and internal components to support the Precision Lethality MK82 Quick Reaction Capability program.
This effort will cover delivery of 50 test warhead cases and internal components as well as post initial operation capability support for the Air Force and up to 70 test warhead cases and internal components for the Navy.
Read more: www.defpro.com
